In a process for the moistening, impregnating and refining of a web of paper, carton, foil and the like, the web is treated in steam by the condensation effect of liquid supplied through nozzle bodies, and a precipitate is produced. An apparatus for carrying out the process has nozzle bodies arranged in a casing and connected to a steam supply, the nozzle bodies each containing a heater for heating the liquid and gas in a substantially pressureless condition in front of the nozzle outlets. Cooling elements are provided for the cooling of the web fed past the nozzle bodies, the whole being arranged such that, through the liquid being supplied, a condensation and thus a precipitation onto the surface of the web are produced.